There’s something to be said for a “pleasant” movie.
It’s the kind of film you boot up after a long day. It’s on the lighter side of the dramatic spectrum, provides entertainment value and, most importantly, doesn’t feel like work to consume.
Starring: Finn Wittrock, Zoe Chao, Damon Wayans Jr., Casey Wilson, Jim Rash, Wendi McLendon-Covey.
Rating: R for language throughout.
If you often find yourself in that kind of movie-watching mood, especially during the pandemic, check out “Long Weekend,” a romantic comedy with a sci-fi flavor.
The film centers on Bart (Finn Wittrock), who’s down on his luck after a bad breakup and appears to have lingering health problems that he aggressively ignores. He randomly stumbles into Vienna (Zoe Chao) and the two instantly form a connection.
Naturally, there’s a heavy roadblock on Vienna’s end that complicates their budding relationship. To say more would ruin the surprise, but moviegoers’ ability to enjoy the second half of the film will hinge on their willingness to buy into a game-changing twist that requires a certain level of reality suspension.
“Long Weekend” is the brainchild of writer-director Steve Basilone, a Pittsburgh native who recently told the Post-Gazette he drew inspiration from “heightened” rom coms like “Groundhog Day,” “Stranger Than Fiction” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” You can judge how successful he is in shaking up the genre, but the DNA of those films is definitely evident in his film’s central conceit.
Frankly, the sci-fi element is beside the point, as the film at its core is more interested in Bart and Vienna’s bond than the force that threatens to tear them apart. It’s a tribute to Wittrock and Chao’s chemistry that some of the wackier elements ring true enough to buy into them as a couple.
Chao in particular takes what’s clearly an attempt to subvert the “manic pixie dream girl” trope — which the film directly addresses in a manner that’s almost too self-aware — and imbues Vienna with so much charisma that it doesn’t matter how ludicrous her predicament is.
The supporting cast is populated with a cavalcade of sitcom stars like Damon Wayans Jr., Casey Wilson, Jim Rash and Wendi McLendon-Covey, all of whom have worked on shows Basilone wrote for and/or produced. They all came in hot for their few scenes, with Wayans getting a bit more to chew on as Bart’s supportive friend, Doug.
Pittsburghers will enjoy some of the most overt references to an auteur’s hometown you’ll ever see in a movie and might even come out of the experience feeling better about the Pirates’ future. What Buccos fan doesn’t need that reassurance these days?
So yes, there are aspects of “Long Weekend” that may not click for everybody, and a little more clarity at the end on its biggest lingering question would have been nice. But overall, this film fits its title. Relax, enjoy the vibe and be grateful for a pleasant evening at the movies.
Joshua Axelrod: jaxelrod@post-gazette.com and Twitter @jaxel222.
First Published: April 9, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
